St. Charles buys building next to Arcada Theatre

The City of St. Charles will buy the building that housed George's Sporting Goods for 40 years with hopes to expand the adjacent, historic Arcada Theatre.

The City Council recently approved the $225,000 purchase of the building at 107-109 E. Main St. in the downtown. Longtime owner George Poczekaj, who closed his sporting goods store earlier this year after more than 40 years in business, said the city is a good buyer.

"I'm happy to unload the responsibility for now," said Poczekaj, 80, who plans to spend more time at his home in Florida.

City Administrator Brian Townsend said officials still are evaluating what repairs and restoration the building might need, and the cost. As far as future uses, an expansion of the Arcada Theatre, which shares a wall with the building, is a favorite, he said.

"There's always been some discussion about the fact the Arcada really doesn't have the type of amenities that it needs to survive today's market," he said.

The concession area is small and crowded, as is the lobby, and the dressing rooms are outdated, Townsend said. There's also no "green room" for performing artists headlining at the theater.

"Because of George's common wall with the Arcada, we think that could be a solution to many of those issues," he said.

The city's interest in improving the Arcada is twofold, Townsend said: economic and historical.

A study conducted by the city showed the theater generates about $2 million for St. Charles through "direct, indirect and induced spending," by bringing in visitors, officials pointed out. The theater also has created 30 jobs.

"The other part is difficult to quantify, but is still a benefit," Townsend said, pointing out the theater, built by the Norris family in the 1920s is a registered historic landmark and special to St. Charles.

The community also wants to keep the theater as a viable performing arts facility, he said.

The Seattle-based businessman who owns the Arcada and the company that oversees the entertainment operations were not interested in purchasing the building, Townsend said. However, both are aware the city wants to work with them on a possible theater expansion, he said.

A final plan for the building is expected to be completed within six months, Townsend said. Meanwhile, the city plans to close on the sale by the end of the year.